Miliband Asked to Explain Unfair Energy Cost Burden The British Plastics Federation has written to new Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Miliband, to explain disparities between UK and continental energy costs. In a 'hard-hitting' letter the BPF cited recent major upswings in energy costs for its members: a typical moulded components manufacturer whose gas bill went up 100% and electricity bill up 60% and a compounder who sustained a 45% increase in electricity prices. The BPF says that cost increase such as these are practically impossible to pass on due to the cost-down policies of major customers. To read the full release CLICK HERE

"REACH and the Plastics Industry: Guiding you through . . ." A BPF SEMINAR The British Plastics Federation (BPF) is pleased to announce details of a one-day seminar entitled REACH and the Plastics Industry: Guiding you through. . . to be held on Thursday 20th November 2008 at its London offices. REACH legislation entered into force on 1 June 2007 bringing with it a number of changes which have a profound impact on the plastics industry. The process for compliance is complex and the scope is broad but help is available.

New Home Office Arrangements for Migrant & Temporary Workers  
New arrangements for skilled migrants and temporary workers recruited from outside the European Economic Area (known as tiers 2 and 5 of the PBS) take effect on 27 November and will replace the current work permit scheme. Attached is the latest publication from The Home Office giving an overview of the new points based system.
Click Here to download Home Office Publication

Trade Mission to India 2009
The BPF in conjunction with RAPRA Limited is organising a FREE Trade Mission to India (3-7 February 2009) to coincide with PlastIndia 2009 - the largest plastics trade fair in 2009! The package includes transfers to and from the show, a networking reception (in conjunction with the largest plastics trade association in India), a factory visit and a sight seeing tour of New Delhi.  All you need to pay for is your travel and accommodation cost, however companies can claim Government Grants of £500 to go towards cost. 
To register your interest in Mission to India please CLICK HERE

Polymer Innovation Network: Innovation Day
The Polymer Innovation Network will once again be holding their Innovation Day at the Emirates stadium on the 19th of November 2008 the theme for the day will be Polymers in Construction and Sports. The keynote speech (Professor Roland Burgard of the University of Applied Arts in Vienna) will be speaking on the key role polymers have played in the stadiums of the 2006 World Cup in Germany, 2008 Olympic Stadiums in China as well taking a look to the future for the 2010 Football world cup and the 2012 Olympics in London. 

As a bonus the first 50 delegates to register will receive a free tour of the Emirates Stadium at the end of the day.
Registration for the event is FREE - to register online CLICK HERE

EuPC Hosts Flowfree and Polycond training events
The culmination of three years work comes together as EuPC hosts two training days on the Flowfree and Polycond projects. The Flowfree project deals with the injection of super critical CO2 into the melt during the extrusion process which reduces the viscosity of the Polymer melt and thereby reducing the energy consumption of the process. The Polycond project deals with the development of a high performance conductive Polymers. Both these training days take place on the 4th of December at the EuPC headquarters in Brussels.
For more info about Polycond CLICK HERE
For more information about Flowfree CLICK HERE

P.I.G.S Wanted!
The Plastics Industry Golf Society (PIGS) is one of the longest running golf societies in the UK and as such hold golf days for members of the plastics industry throughout the county. The PIGS are always looking for new members and have recently launched a new website containing details of their events and instructions about how you can become a PIG.
To visit the new site CLICK HERE

BPF NEWS Members in the News
APPRO - Appro Porous improves NVH performance in automotive interiors. for more information CLICK HERE
Linpac - appoint new Vice President of HR and HSHE. for more information CLICK HERE
Willis Commercial Network - Utmost good faith is one of the fundamental duties under a contract of insurance.  It requires those applying for insurance cover to disclose all material facts about the risk being proposed to the insurer.  It also requires insurers to deal openly and honestly with policyholders.
To find your local insurance expert CLICK HERE    |    To download the full press release CLICK HERE

Website of The Week - The Plastics Graveyard With frequent company name changes across the plastics industry, consult this website for the latest name of companies you used to deal with in the past. The Plastics Graveyard  - CLICK HERE

BPF EVENTS - UPCOMING KEY DATES

20th November 2008,  BPF Offices, London
REACH and the Plastics Processor

2009 events are now live! Please visit www.bpfevents.co.uk for more details

UPCOMING TRADE SHOWS WITH BRITISH PAVILIONS
27th-30th November 2008 Istanbul, Turkey
PlastEurasia 2008

11th-14th January 2009 Dubai
Arabplast 2009

4th-9th February 2009 New Delhi, India
Plastindia 2009

BPF INNOVATION PROJECTS
To find out more on innovative projects the BPF are involved in CLICK HERE